Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for international students from the UAE

IDP is your trusted guide in navigating health insurance for your studies in Australia. Whether you are applying for your first student visa from Dubai or anywhere in the United Arab Emirates, or renewing your OSHC, we make the process simple, fast, and affordable.

Meet your visa requirements:

Health insurance is mandatory for all international students applying for the Student Visa from the United Arab Emirates. We ensure your OSHC policy is compliant with Australian Government regulations, so your visa application goes smoothly.

Lower your cost of OSHC :

With IDP, students from the UAE can explore price ranges and coverage options from top OSHC providers. We help you spot hidden fees, understand what is covered, and select the best value plan for your study period and budget.

Compare all OSHC providers:

From Bupa to nib, Allianz Care, Medibank, ahm OSHC, and CBHS International Health, each OSHC provider in Australia offers unique benefits and service features. With IDP, international students from Dubai and the United Arab Emirates region can easily compare key elements such as:

• Hospital Cover Limits: Including coverage for public and private hospitals, overnight stays, and surgery types.

• Waiting Periods for Pre-Existing Conditions: Typically, 12 months for conditions like pregnancy or chronic illness.

• Extras (if available): Such as dental, optical, and physiotherapy – usually offered through optional add-ons or separate extras to cover.

• 24/7 Helpline & Emergency Support: Direct access to multilingual assistance for medical emergencies. 

• Online Member Portals: Submit claims, track usage, and manage documents through a secure digital dashboard.

Fast turnaround:

Most IDP OSHC partners (e.g., Allianz Care, nib, Bupa, etc.) issue the OSHC certificate within minutes to a few hours after payment — especially when purchased through IDP's platform by students from Dubai or other Emirates. This certificate is essential for your visa application.

Part of the OSHC Australia group

IDP partners with OSHC Australia, a platform trusted by thousands of international students. Whether you are applying from the UAE or any other Gulf region, you gain access to the latest updates, provider offers and government resources all in one place.

Multilingual support team

We understand the challenges of studying abroad. Our team supports students in Arabic, Urdu, Hindi, English, and more — making it easier to for learners from United Arab Emirate to understand policies and make confident choices.

Save even more with Cohort Go

Cohort Go is an IDP partner platform that allows students to bundle services (OSHC, accommodation, tuition payments) and save on international bank fees and FX conversion rates — a useful tool for UAE-based students.

If you are applying for the Australian Student Visa, you must hold valid Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) from an approved insurer for the entire duration of your stay. This applies to: 

• Main student applicants. 

• Spouses/partners and children included as dependents on your visa. 

• Students transitioning to a new course or extending their visas. 

Having OSHC ensures you are protected against unexpected medical costs and complies with Department of Home Affairs requirements — no matter if you apply from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or any city in the United Arab Emirates.

OSHC gives you access to healthcare services during your time in Australia, similar to what Australian citizens receive under Medicare. Here is what is typically included: 

•  Doctor Visits: Covers consultations with General Practitioners (GPs) for routine check-ups and health issues.

•  Hospital Treatment: Includes admission to public hospitals for treatment, surgery, and overnight stays (based on your policy level).

•  Emergency Ambulance: Covers ambulance services in case of a medical emergency.

•  Prescription Medication: Helps pay for medicines prescribed by doctors, with a maximum limit.

Optional Extras (depending on provider and plan): 

•  Dental: Cleanings, fillings, and check-ups.

•  Optical: Eye tests and prescription glasses.

•  Physiotherapy: Treatment for injuries, pain, and rehabilitation.
  These extras are often bundled into private health insurance add-ons or can be purchased separately, which is helpful for students from the UAE looking for comprehensive care.

Approved Providers

We work directly with government-approved OSHC providers such as: 

• Bupa Australia 

• Medibank 

• Allianz Care Australia 

• nib OSHC 

• CBHS International Health 

• ahm OSHC 

Each provider is recognised by the Department of Home Affairs and offers coverage tailored to student needs, including those from Dubai and across the United Arab Emirates. 

Purchasing Process – Before Visa Application

You must buy OSHC before applying for your student visa. The steps are simple: 

1. Talk to an IDP counsellor in the UAE. 

2. Choose the right policy based on your budget, duration, and needs. 

3. Make your payment. 

4. Receive your OSHC certificate, which is required for your visa application. 

 * You can also pay annually, semi-annually, or for the full course duration. 

Cost & duration alignment with visa

The length of your OSHC must match your course + visa duration. For example:

• A 2-year course may need 26 months of OSHC to cover post-study stay.

• Adding dependents requires extending your coverage.

  * IDP ensures your policy aligns with visa timelines to avoid rejections or reapplications for UAE students.

Once you confirm and pay, your OSHC certificate will be emailed to you almost instantly. This document is critical for:

• Uploading with your visa application.

• Proof of health insurance when entering Australia from the Emirates.

• Accessing health services once you arrive.

Get Free Counselling Now

We do not just help you get your OSHC — we also support you after you arrive in Australia and during your whole stay: 

•  24/7 Emergency Assistance: Contact your provider at any time in case of illness or hospital admission. 

• ️ Member Portal Access: View your plan, submit claims, check limits and download documents online. 

•  Waiting Periods: Learn how long you need to wait before certain benefits (like pregnancy or pre-existing conditions) are covered. 

•  Pre-existing Conditions: Understand which conditions are excluded or partially covered, and how they are assessed. 

From comparing providers to supporting claims, IDP makes OSHC simple and stress-free. With expert studying abroad help in UAE, you have one less thing to worry about.

Students from Dubai or anywhere in the United Arab Emirates can apply for OSHC through an authorised online portal. Once submitted, the certificate is typically issued within minutes, enabling a smooth visa application process and compliance with Australian entry requirements.